Polestar confirms hot four S60 and V60 wagon

Volvo has released the mechanical specs and performance stats of its first four-cylinder dedicated Polestar models. The existence of the new twin-charged four-cylinder Polestar S60 sedan and V60 estate was confirmed this evening in Sweden.

Powered by a twincharged (super and turbo) 1969cc direct-injected petrol four, the new Polestar S/V60 models are claimed to be Volvo’s quickest cars ever. The Swedish marque is claiming a 0-100km/h time of 4.7sec for the S60 and 0.1sec slower for its five-door wagon counterpart.

The cars’ top speeds are limited to 250km/h.

The new cars feature a version of Volvo’s latest Drive-E powerplant. In its transformation to a performance powerplant, however, the four has been significant fettled by Polestar (now wholly owned, as the company’s in-house performance arm).

It is now rated at 270kW at 6000rpm, with peak torque of 470Nm delivered from 3100-5100rpm. The engine is redlined at 7000rpm.

This is 12kW up but 30Nm down on the six-cylinder engine it replaces. Mercedes-AMG’s A/CLA 45 2.0-litre four still out-powers the Volvo, however, at 280kW/475Nm.

Polestar gifts the S60 and V60’s original powerplant a larger turbo, the supercharger, new conrods, new camshafts, a larger air intake and a higher capacity fuel pump in the makeover. The BorgWarner supplied four-wheel drive system is fettled and a new “Polestar-optimised” eight-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox is standard. There is no manual option.

In addition, Volvo says the engine changeover reduces the car’s mass. The new cars are 24kg lighter over the front axle and 20kg lighter in total compared to the previous model years, the company claims.

Volvo Australia has confirmed the cars will arrive Down Under in the fourth quarter of 2016. No pricing is available. The turbo six-cylinder Polestar S60 and V60 twins the new cars replace were last priced at $99,990 and $102,990 respectively.

“By any measure these cars are seriously quick,” said Kevin McCann, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia stated in the company’s press release.

“When they arrive in Australia later this year people will be genuinely impressed. They are born at the racetrack, but built for the road. The cars are very composed through corners, with lots of traction and enough low-end torque to make them very, very quick,” he said.

The two new models also mark the globalisation of the Polestar brand. Previously Polestar models were only offered in selected markets – Australia being one of the first outside Sweden.

Volvo Australia confirmed it would significantly increase its Polestar model offering recently. At this stage, that expansion is largely limited to enhancement kits.

As noted above, the new S60 and V60 Polestar models are comprehensively different from their ‘donor’ models. Key changes outside of the engine room include bespoke Ohlins suspension and Michelin-shod 20-inch wheels.

Volvo’s performance offshoot is also known to be working on both XC60 and V40 standalone models.

The XC60 is widely tipped to be the next standalone Polestar model, however, that car is not likely to arrive until the next generation midsized softroader is launched in late 2017.

Aspects of the new S60 Polestar’s powerplant  has been developed alongside the company’s new World Touring Car Championship TC1 racecar.

Polestar Cyan Racing kicks off its campaign in the four-cylinder series this weekend (April 2-3) at the legendary Paul Ricard circuit in France.